Today Microsoft rolled out a new feature in Windows Live Hotmail, that allows contacts to sign in and use their Web Messenger directly from their Inbox.

The added feature allows contacts to sign in automatically when logging into their inbox, via both Firefox and Internet Explorer (does not work in Google Chrome). Users can sort through their contact list by groups and categories, as well as see display pictures and send emoticons.

This feature was originally available to France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and the UK last month and is now available to Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and the USA starting today.